NiDCOM boss, influencer slam embassies over passport delays

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has criticised some embassies over prolonged withholding of applicants’ passports after visa submissions.

She also called for partial refunds of visa fees where applications are rejected.

Dabiri-Erewa made the remarks while reacting to a post on X by social media personality Japheth Omojuwa, who raised concerns over the practice.

Omojuwa, without naming any embassy, criticised delays in passport returns after visa processing.

“If, as an embassy, you can’t make a decision one way or another after two weeks, return people’s passports… It’s not a life and death issue,” he wrote.

He also faulted the impact of such delays on applicants’ travel plans and time management.

Responding, Dabiri-Erewa said, “I agree with you absolutely. And if applications should be rejected, the funds should be refunded! Or at least, a percentage should be refunded.”

Biodun Busari is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with five years of experience reporting on human interest, crime, diaspora issues, and feature storytelling. He focuses on producing engaging, informative stories that enlighten the public and provide context on complex topics. Biodun’s work demonstrates hands-on newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accurate, purpose-driven journalism.

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